South Dakota Agricultural Land Trust

1.1 What is a conservation easement? A conservation easement is a voluntary agreement that a landowner may enter into with a qualified conservation organization (typically a land trust), restricting particular development and uses of the landowner’s property in order to protect certain resources. For example, agricultural conservation easements are designed to keep land available for farming or ranching and often limit non-agricultural commercial development of lands designated for agricultural use. Conservation easements are perpetual, meaning they last forever. Every conservation easement is unique and subject to conditions agreed upon by the parties.

1.2 What rights are typically conveyed to the designated land trust?

•  All development rights except for those specifically retained by the landowner in the deed of conservation easement (this includes the right to subdivide);
• The right to share in proceeds from a condemnation action that affects the property;
• The right to enforce the terms of the conservation easement;
• The right to be a party to all negotiations of third party requests to use the land. Specifically, this relates to negotiations for oil and gas leases, surface use agreements, right-of-way agreements, etc. (NOTE: this right does not include the right to be a party to the negotiations of agricultural and recreational-based agreements).

1.3 How are my private property rights affected by a conservation easement? With regard to land, or “real property,” private property rights include the right to reasonably develop and use the property. By placing restrictions on usage and development, a landowner is voluntarily giving up a portion of their rights. The rights given up through a conservation easement transaction are considered extinguished and can never be used, sold or transferred. Other private property rights include the right to sell or lease the property, as well as the right to exclude others from accessing the property. Typically, conservation easements do not significantly impact these other rights, and the landowner retains full title to the property and all other rights not transferred under the easement.

The easement is specifically catered to the property owner’s wishes. Thus, current use and management of the land is usually maintained, with minimal to no impact on day-to-day activities. Indeed, in a well- planned document, the only rights transferred are often rights that the property owner had no intention on exercising, such as the right to build a subdivi­sion or shopping mall. In addition, conservation easements often do not limit development altogether and the property owner is free to designate areas that can be used for buildings, such as barns or other agricultural structures or home sites. An easement does give the land trust certain rights, such as the ability to enter the land during “monitoring visits,” to ensure the terms of the easement are being upheld and the right to enforce restrictions on the use of the land in accordance with the terms of the conservation easement. Monitoring visits are always coordinated with the landowner and the landowner typically accompanies the land trust staff on the visit.

1.4 Does a conservation easement require public access? No. Public access is not a requirement for conveying a conservation easement.

1.5 Why would I want to give up any of my property rights? One of the most cited reasons for pursuing a conservation easement is the landowner’s desire to protect the condition and uses of his or her land long into the future. For instance, by granting a conservation easement the owner of a family farm or ranch ensures that the property remains available for agriculture. In addition, there are a variety of tax benefits available for landowners who convey conservation easements.

1.6 Who owns the land after a conservation easement is conveyed? The landowner retains ownership of the property after a conservation easement is conveyed. The conservation easement conveys certain rights to the property to the designated land trust.

1.7 Do I have to grant a conservation easement over all of my land? In general, a conservation easement does not have to encompass an entire parcel of land and can include provisions allowing landowners to reserve portions of the property as future building sites free from development restrictions. This type of structure will impact the conservation easements value and often times reduce the value for which the landowner is compensated.

1.8 Who chooses the designated land trust? Landowners choose the land trust that best suits their goals, objectives and interests and will negotiate the specific terms of the deed of conservation easement.

1.9 How long does it take to convey a conservation easement? Conveying a conservation easement typically takes between 9 to 18 months to complete. However, purchased easements can take as long as 3 to 5 years, due to the amount of time it takes to secure funding and the various funding entities’ approval processes.

2.1 How is a conservation easement valued? Conservation easements are valued through a conservation easement appraisal. A conservation easement appraisal is basically two appraisals of the property – an appraisal of the property in its current (unencumbered state) and an appraisal of the property in a hypothetical restricted state. The hypothetical restricted state assumes that a deed of conservation easement encumbers the property. The difference between the two appraisal values is the conservation easement value and is the basis for which the landowner is compensated.

2.2 What effect does a conservation easement have on the value of the property? A conservation easement will typically reduce the value of a property between 35% and 65% depending on the restrictiveness of the deed of conservation easement, location and type of property. NOTE: the value of the property will continue to appreciate after the conveyance of the conservation easement. However, the appreciation of the value of the property will be on the reduced value of the property once the conservation easement is conveyed.

2.3 How much does it cost to convey a conservation easement? Typically, the conveyance of a conservation easement requires the following reports to be produced in support of the conveyance:

1. A baseline inventory report documenting the natural resources and human activity on the property.
2. An appraisal to determine the value of the conservation easement.
3. A mineral remoteness assessment to determine the likelihood of mineral extraction.
4. Title work.
5. An occasional environmental assessment.

There are other fees associated with the conveyance of a conservation easement including a project coordination fee, stewardship endowment contribution, state tax credit fees, and various legal fees. Together, these fees typically range from $68,350 to $157,700 depending on the complexity of the transaction. Bargain sale transactions tend to be more expensive due to the increased complexity involved with funders and the additional due diligence requirements.

2.4 What are the differences between a donated conservation easement and a purchased conservation easement? What is a bargain sale easement? Donated conservation easements occur when landowners donate the full appraised value of the conservation easement to the land trust and in return they are compensated through the federal and state tax incentives described in detail below.

A purchased conservation easement occurs when a land trust pays for a portion or all of the value of the development rights. Due to limited financial resources, purchased conservation easements are less common than donated conservation easements and are frequently subject to additional restrictions.

Bargain sale conservation easements are a type of purchased conservation easement that employs both a purchase and donation component. Landowners are paid in cash for the purchased portion (typically 50% or less of the overall value of the conservation easement) and compensated through the tax incentives described below for the donated portion.

2.5 What financial incentives can I expect to receive from granting a conservation easement? There are five types of financial benefits that can accompany a conservation easement:

1. Federal tax deductions.
2. Estate tax benefits.
3. State tax credits (only available in certain states).
4. Property tax benefits
5. Cash (occasionally).

We will explore each in detail below.

1. Federal Tax Deductions – A conservation easement may be treated as a charitable gift, making the value of the easement tax deductible. In order to qualify for the federal tax deduction, the easement must be:

• Perpetual
• Held by a “qualified conservation organization”
• Serve a valid “conservation purpose,” which includes:
  • the preservation of land areas for outdoor recreation by, or education of, the general public;
  • the protection of a relatively natural habitat of fish, wildlife, plants, or similar ecosystem;
  • the preservation of open space (including farmland or forest land); and/or
  • the preservation of a historically important land area or certified historic structure.

  In addition, the value of the conservation easement must be determined by a “qualified appraisal.”

  The federal tax incentive for conservation easements allows a landowner to deduct the easement’s value up to fifty (50) percent of his/her adjusted gross income, with a fifteen (15) year carry-forward period. Qualified farmers and ranchers are allowed to deduct the easement’s value up to one hundred (100) percent of their adjusted gross income, with a fifteen (15) year carry-forward period.

2. Estate Tax Incentive – Another important tax benefit is the reduction of estate taxes. Because estate taxes are based on the highest economic use of the parcel, these taxes can be substantial even if the land is being used as a farm or ranch. This can put considerable financial strain on heirs and in many circumstances may force them to sell all or part of the land in order to pay estate taxes. Conservation easements can help prevent this and aid in the intergenera­tional transfers of intact properties.

By granting away development rights the value of the land is decreased, which lowers the value of the land for estate tax purposes, and can provide a significant reduction in the estate tax burden on family members. This is particularly helpful in situations where the cultural, sentimental and historical uses of the land are much more important to the heirs than its economic value. In addition to this decrease, qualified conservation easements can earn an additional $500,000 estate tax exemption.

3. State Tax Credits – In certain states, donors of conservation easements are eligible for conservation easement tax credits. These are credits that may be used against state income taxes owed. Conservation easement tax credits may be used by the donor to reduce state tax liabilities or in some states they can transferred to other taxpayers.

4. Property Tax Benefits – It is important to note that granting a conservation easement WILL NOT eliminate property tax burdens and the property will remain on the tax rolls. It is also important to note that the landowner retains responsibility for any property tax liabilities. South Dakota taxes agricultural land based on a productivity model; therefore, a conservation easement will most likely not affect taxable valuations.

5. Cash – Occasionally, land trusts are able to raise money from public and private funding sources to purchase a portion of a conservation easement with cash. This is known as a bargain sale conservation easement conveyance. Typically, 50% of the value of the easement is purchased in a bargain sale transaction. The remaining 50% is treated as a donation and compensated through the various tax benefits described above. Bargain sale transactions come with additional restrictions required by funding sources that are putting money towards the purchase of the conservation easement. Bargain sale transactions also typically take longer to complete.

3.1 What is the relationship between my water rights and a conservation easement? Under South Dakota law, a water permit or right for irrigation use is appurtenant to the land. Other types of uses for which a water right is needed do not have any statute indicating that the water right is attached to the property. However, there is law related to change in uses or place of use that may be pertinent to a conservation easement, as well as potential forfeiture or abandonment if the water use is curtailed for some reason. Most agriculture-focused land trusts in other states will require that any and all water rights associated with the property be encumbered in the conservation easement along with the land.

3.2 What is the relationship between my mineral development rights and a conservation easement? The nature of the relationship between mineral rights and conservation easements depends on who owns the mineral rights and the type of mining involved.

Surface mining Due to the incompatibility of surface mining and conservation easements, the tax code prohibits surface mining. It is important to note that the definition of surface mining does not include oil and gas drilling.

If the mineral estate is “split” and the mineral rights and surface rights are owned by different parties, the owner of the mineral estate will usually have the right to reasonably use the surface to extract the minerals underneath. Thus, in a “split estate,” the surface owner may not be eligible for the tax deduction unless they can show that the probability of surface mining on their land is “so remote as to be negligible.” This determination requires that a landowner have a mineral remoteness assessment (commonly called a mineral report) performed by a certified geologist to determine either that there are no commercially important minerals on the property, or that it is commercially impractical to mine any minerals that are present.

If the landowner owns the minerals rights, for eligibility it is usually adequate that the conservation easement contain a provision explicitly prohibiting surface mining. NOTE: If a landowner wishes to retain rights to certain mineral extraction such as sand, gravel, rock, or soil for personal use, it is important that the amount and location of the activity is confined in a manner that does not interfere with the purposes of the conservation easement.

Subsurface mining Oil and gas development is considered subsurface mining, and can be compatible with conservation easements if the development is “limited, localized and not irremediably destructive of the conservation values.” The land trust will work with landowners in the negotiation of leases and surface use agreements to ensure that any oil and gas development occurs in a manner that is consistent with federal and state law.

3.3 What is the relationship between conservation easements and my renewable energy development rights? Given increased public and commercial interest in renewable energy, landowners may want to consider the impact that a conservation easement will have on the ability to develop renewable energy on protected land. It has been determined that commercial scale renewable energy projects (i.e. wind farms, solar farm, etc.) are not compatible with conservation easements. However, limited small scale renewable energy projects that are done primarily for the generation of energy for “on farm/ranch” purposes have been determined to be compatible with conservation easements.

3.4 Can I sell my property if I encumber it with a conservation easement? Yes. Landowners retain ownership of the property and all other rights that are not conveyed in the deed of conservation easement. However, a conservation easement can extend the period of time it takes to sell a property and it will undoubtedly reduce the overall price for which the property can be sold.

3.5 Will a conservation easement prevent condemnation? No. However, a conservation easement will make condemnation much more difficult. In any condemnation proceeding, the condemning entity must pay the full fair market value of the property as if there were no conservation easement in place. The condemnation award will be split between the landowner and the land trust based on the conservation easement appraisal.

3.6 Will a conservation easement tie the hands of my heirs? A conservation easement is intended to restrict certain activities from occurring. These restrictions are intended to last forever and therefore will continue to tie the hands of future owners. Therefore, it is essential that landowner and land trust give a great deal of careful thought to the restrictions that are placed in the conservation easement. Furthermore, landowners are strongly encouraged to include their families in the process to ensure that the restrictions that are negotiated are understood and agreed upon.

3.7 Do banks offer loans on land encumbered with a conservation easement? Because conservation easements reduce the value of the property, the size of a loan available for mortgaging a property will be reduced, but banks will continue to offer loans that are collateralized by property encumbered by a conservation easement. It is important to note that placing a conservation easement on property that is currently mortgaged requires a subordination of the mortgage by the lender prior to conveyance of the conservation easement. 

3.8 Do I have to fear an IRS audit if I put an easement on my property? Although there is no way to predict the actions of the Internal Revenue Service, the vast majority of conservation easement transactions completed over the last 30 years have not received undue scrutiny. As with any charitable donation, following the IRS regulations and the national Land Trust Alliance’s Standards and Practices will help support a landowner in defense of any potential IRS audit. Prudent advice to a landowner is to thoroughly investigate the land trust you intend to partner with and choose the contractors that complete the due diligence requirements wisely. A reputable land trust will assist a landowner in the selection of these contractors and will work with the landowner and the contractors to ensure that all aspects of the transaction satisfy the requirements of the Treasury Regulations and IRS code.

4.1 How does SDALT approach its relationship with landowners who have conservation easements on their property?

 SDALT’s stewardship philosophy promotes private land stewardship and ensures the defense of every SDALT-held conservation easement. Landowner relationships represent the foundation of our stewardship efforts. SDALT believes that personal, honest, and open relationships with each of our landowners is the best way to ensure that our perpetual stewardship obligations are met.

Because the agricultural community differs in significant ways from the larger landowning community, SDALT intentionally employs a unique approach to stewardship with its landowners.

This concept is based upon (1) a deep understanding of the agricultural community in which we operate; and (2) a great respect for privacy and recognition of a landowner’s ability to make individually responsible management decisions related to the day-to-day activities on protected properties.

SDALT monitors each conservation easement annually and works diligently with landowners to resolve stewardship related issues quickly and efficiently.

4.2 How do monitoring visits work?

The purpose of monitoring visits is twofold, (1) to ensure that the terms of the easement are being adhered to by the landowner and, (2) to continue building the relationship with the landowner.

Typically, monitoring visits occur once each year. SDALT contacts landowners in advance to determine a mutually agreeable date and time to conduct the monitoring visit, and landowners typically accompany SDALT staff on monitoring visits.